San Diego. Tampa Bay. Washington DC. By Luke Bosher. Sergio Aguero has said he will not rush a decision on his future after reports in Spain suggested his heart condition could force him to retire at the age of He had cardiological tests in hospital after being taken ill and will continue to receive treatment while his health is monitored.
But Aguero responded to the speculation by saying he would not decide on his future until his treatment had concluded. Aguero was making just his second start for Barcelona after joining from City on a free transfer in the summer.
Aguero was making only his second start for Barcelona when he pulled up with chest pain just before half-time against Alaves. The Argentine did lay down on the pitch as he received medical attention, but was able to walk off as he was replaced by Philippe Coutinho. Aguero then went to hospital for cardiological tests, with Barcelona indicating three days later that the striker faced three months out while being evaluated.
He made his debut as a substitute against Valencia, before again coming off the bench against Dynamo Kyiv. At his unveiling, Xavi made clear he was not coming with a magic formula to make Barcelona play better, but to demand they upped their level. Xavi has been preparing to become Barcelona manager for seven years - he has a huge task ahead, but there's no one better for it. Aguero has outscored every other foreign import to the Premier League - his legacy should be more than just that goal against QPR.
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Health and life are much more important than anything else. Aguero is not the only player to see his career put on hold by a chest or heart issue, with the other most recent example coming in the form of Christian Eriksen's sudden collapse at Euro The Inter and Denmark midfielder stopped breathing after suffering cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the pitch before being rushed to hospital, where it was eventually confirmed that he would need to be fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator ICD.
Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba, meanwhile, was forced to hang up his boots early after a similar incident during an FA Cup clash with Tottenham in , with doctors subsequently revealing that he was lucky to be alive after his heart stopped beating for 78 minutes. Real Madrid legend and ex-Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas also retired after suffering a heart attack while in training at Porto in , with the Spaniard announcing his decision a year later at the age of There is hope that Aguero can return to the pitch, though, with Ajax and Netherlands star Daley Blind still going strong at the age of 31 after being fitted with an ICD two years ago and ex-Stuttgarter Kickers player Daniel Engelbrecht having resumed his career after an on-field heart attack in His legend will further be marked by the installation of a dedicated and permanent mosaic at the City Football Academy.
The Argentina international scored goals in appearances in all competitions under Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Guardiola, and leaves as the fourth-highest goalscorer in Premier League history and as City's all-time record scorer. Guardiola had paid an emotional tribute to Aguero after the striker's double on the final day of the Premier League season against Everton, saying: "We love him so much - he is a special person for all of us. We can not replace him. Eric Garcia is expected to follow Aguero in joining Barcelona this summer.
The defender is a product of the La Masia academy and Guardiola brought him to the Etihad in , but he made just six top-flight appearances this season. Barcelona won the Copa del Rey but missed out on the La Liga title this season, finishing seven points behind league winners Atletico. Joan Laporta, the club's president has said he is "moderately optimistic" over the prospect of Messi signing a new contract, while the Spanish club are also confident of securing the services of Georginio Wijnaldum, who appears set to leave Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Guardiola says he is planning on staying at City for the long term because the club "gives the manager everything he needs", after the Spaniard guided the club to a third Premier League triumph under his tenure.
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